New hybrid nanomaterial derived from immobilization of a molybdenum complex on the surface of multi-walled carbon nanotubes

In this work, we report a new well dispersed molybdenum complex attached through the mediation of aminopropylsilyl groups on the surface of multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs). The prepared hybrid nanomaterial was characterized with different physicochemical methods such as Fourier transform infrared and atomic absorption spectroscopies, transmission electron microscopy, energy-dispersive X-ray and nitrogen adsorption-desorption analyses. Nitrogen adsorption-desorption analysis revealed that the textural characteristics of the support were preserved during the grafting experiments despite sequential reduction in surface area. Elemental analysis showed the presence of 0.1 mmol molybdenum per gram of the catalyst. The prepared hybrid nanomaterial showed good performance and stability in the catalytic epoxidation of olefins under mild reaction conditions.